Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Benefits and Side Effects

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is one of the most well-known and widely used strains of probiotics. Its many therapeutic benefits may include boosting the immune system, preventing allergic symptoms, and protecting against diseases of the female reproductive system. One of the most well-studied friendly bacteria is Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which is available as a dietary supplement and added to various foods, such as dairy products.

What Is Lactobacillus Rhamnosus?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is one of the most widely used strains of probiotics. It is due to the vast body of scientific literature documenting its many benefits. It has also been found safe and effective for various ages, from newborn infants to elderly adults, and different health conditions.

Studies have shown that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has high acid and bile tolerance, which promotes survival in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and enhanced colonization in the gut. It persists longer and in higher concentrations than other Lactobacillus and probiotic strains.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG not only helps address gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea and constipation. It may also enhance functioning in different parts of the body.

What Are Its Side Effects?

• Gas
• Bloating
• Constipation

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Although not all side effects are known, lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is likely safe for most people when used as directed.

What Are Its Uses?

1. May Fight Off Gastrointestinal Infections

An analysis of current human studies found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helped decrease H. pylori density and H. pylori gastritis. It is due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG’s ability to increase mucus secretion, which stops H. pylori from attaching to intestinal epithelial cells.

2. Helps Inhibit Pathogenic Bacteria

Studies also show Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG’s potential to inhibit different strains of pathogenic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is associated with skin and soft tissue infections, including boils, cellulitis, impetigo, and sepsis. It may also develop into severe conditions such as blood, bone, and joint disorders. Studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can inhibit the adherence of S. aureus to keratinocytes by up to 44%. It is via competitive exclusion and displacement. By increasing probiotics, pathogenic bacteria have less opportunity to bind with intestinal epithelial cells and colonize the gut.

3. May Stop Candida Overgrowth

Studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG inhibits the growth of C. albicans by fending off adhesion to oral epithelial cells. These probiotics also deplete glucose and repress ergosterol synthesis, robing candida of its favored nutrient sources. The nutrient limitation caused by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG also leads to metabolic changes, resulting in reduced virulence and pathogenicity in C. albicans. 

4. Helps Ease Diarrhea and IBS Symptoms

There is extensive evidence of the beneficial effects of probiotics on diarrhea in children and adults. Studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation can reduce the frequency and duration of pediatric diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, healthcare-associated diarrhea, and rotavirus diarrhea.

Studies also found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helps relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The effect may be more evident in the subtype IBS-D and IBS-A. In a study with children with IBS, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was found to help reduce the frequency and intensity of abdominal pain. 

5. May Avert Allergy Development in Childhood

Studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-enriched formula may improve oral tolerance of cow’s milk among allergic infants. Researchers believe that early sensitization may help build long-term tolerance. Addressing cow milk allergy could also thwart the atopic march. Regarding atopic dermatitis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation for four weeks saw a reduction in symptom severity among IgE-sensitized infants. In another study, infants given Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-supplemented formula saw improvements in their skin condition after two months. However, more studies with larger populations are needed. 

6. Helps Support Oral Health

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may help avoid the formation of dental caries from supporting oral health. Studies show that short-term consumption of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG among school children helped reduce counts of oral pathogens, including A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and S. mutans. It was also associated with lower gingival and plaque indices. In addition, researchers believe that probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG create a protective lining or biofilm in the oral cavity. It replaces the biofilm formed by pathogens responsible for dental caries and other oral conditions. 

7. May Aid in Weight Management 

Probiotics may have the potential to reduce the likelihood of obesity. Animal studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation significantly decreased fat mass and obesity-related biomarkers and reduced leptin resistance.

Human studies on the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on weight are limited, but results have been promising so far.  

8. It May Improve Psychological Well-being

Researchers have established the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network that links intestinal functions to emotional and cognitive areas of the brain. It means that a microbiome imbalance can also have a detrimental effect on psychological and cognitive functioning. It may lead to various mood, mental, and behavior issues. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation may also improve the psychological status, executive functioning, and processing speed among middle-aged and elderly adults with cognitive impairment.   

9. It May Reduce the Severity of Respiratory Infections

In one study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG lowers the severity of upper respiratory infection (URI) among college students. By modulating the inflammatory response, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG also helped reduce the duration of URI by two days and improve health-related quality of life.